Body armor for protecting the lower body

ABSTRACT

A soft body armor garment having an upper portion for covering at least a portion of the lower body of a user, having a lower portion located in proximity to the upper portion which is sufficiently elongated such that the lower portion wraps around to cover at least a portion of the leg of the user; the lower portion having a first and second side, the first side for wrapping around the leg of the user; the second side having an attachment mechanism for securing to the first side around the leg of the user; an attachment mechanism located at the upper portion of the garment wherein the mechanism secures the garment to the user; and at least one receptacle to hold at least one item.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit under 35U.S.C. §120 of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/984,330 filed Nov. 8, 2004,which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/518,235 filed Nov. 6, 2003, the entire contentsof which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed tobullet-resistant garments and methods of making bullet-resistantgarments.

More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention is directedto a bullet-resistant garment adapted for protecting specific areas ofthe body.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to abullet-resistant garment for protecting the upper thigh area of the bodyand/or lower abdominal area of the body.

For the purposes of the present application the term “bullet-resistant”is intended to refer to being designed to minimize the chances of afatality or serious injury in the event of a bullet strike (but notnecessarily to be impenetrable to all types of bullets under allconditions).

BACKGROUND

Various bullet-resistant garments have been produced. One such type ofconventional bullet-resistant garment is known as “soft body armor.”Such soft body armor is typically formed of a relatively flexiblematerial (e.g., woven KEVLAR fibers) which acts to provide the principalbullet-resistant characteristics of the garment.

Another type of conventional bullet-resistant garment is known as “hardbody armor.” Such hard body armor is typically formed of relativelyinflexible material (e.g., one or more ceramic plates) carried inpocket(s) in the garment. In this type of body armor the relativelyinflexible material acts to provide the principal bullet-resistantcharacteristics of the garment.

Examples of patents relating to such soft body armor and hard body armorinclude the following: U.S. Pat. No. 4,266,297 to Atkins (entitled“Bullet Resistant Ballistic Panel Carrier Garment”); U.S. Pat. No.4,483,020 to Dunn (entitled “Projectile Proof Vest”); U.S. Pat. No.4,485,491 to Rasmussen (entitled “Method Of Fitting A Ballistic PanelCarrying Garment”); U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,802 to Small (entitled “AdaptiveBallistic Panel Carrying Garment”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,105 to Sacks(entitled “Protective Garment”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,594 to Yavin(entitled “Anti-Ballistic Ceramic Articles”); and U.S. Pat. No.6,418,832 to Colvin (entitled “Body Armor”).

SUMMARY

In general, in one aspect, the invention features a garment thatincludes a bullet-resistant soft body armor having an upper portion forcovering at least a portion of a lower body of a user. The garment alsoincludes a lower portion located in proximity to the upper portion whichis sufficiently elongated to wrap around and cover at least a portion ofa leg of the user. The lower portion has a first and second side—thefirst side is for wrapping around the leg of the user and the secondside has an attachment mechanism for securing to the first side aroundthe leg of the user. The garment further includes an attachmentmechanism located on the upper portion of the garment to secure thegarment to the user.

In embodiments, the lower body of the user is the lower torso areaincluding at least a thigh and abdomen. In other embodiments, the lowerbody of the user is a calf. In still other embodiments, the lower bodyof the user is a knee. In other embodiments, the lower body of the useris a thigh and knee.

In embodiments, the attachment mechanism located at the upper portion ofthe garment is at least one strap that is fastened to the user's belt orpants to secure the garment on the user. In certain embodiments, thestrap is flexible.

In embodiments, the attachment mechanism for securing to the first sidearound the leg of the user is adjustable. In certain embodiments, theattachment mechanism may be a snap, zipper, hook-and-loop fastener orbuckle.

In general, in another aspect, the invention features a bullet-resistantgarment having an upper portion configured to cover at least a portionof a lower body of a user and having a first attachment mechanism tosecure the bullet-resistant garment to the user. The bullet-resistantgarment also has an elongated lower portion adjacent the upper portionhaving a first side configured to wrap around a leg of the user and asecond side having a second attachment mechanism for securing the firstside around the leg of the user.

In embodiments, the first attachment mechanism is selected from thegroup consisting of a strap, a buckle, a snap, a button, a hook-and-loopfastener, and a zipper. In other embodiments, the first attachmentmechanism is secured to the user at a location selected from the groupconsisting of a belt, pants, a vest, and a shirt.

In embodiments, the second attachment mechanism is selected from thegroup consisting of a strap, a buckle, a snap, a button, a hook-and-loopfastener, and a zipper.

In other embodiments, the lower body of the user is selected from thegroup consisting of the lower torso, thigh, abdomen, knee, calf or anycombination thereof.

In further embodiments, the bullet-resistant garment also includes atleast one hard armor element.

In general, in still another aspect of the invention, the inventionfeatures a bullet-resistant garment including an armor carrier and abullet-resistant soft body armor disposed within the armor carrier. Thearmor carrier has an upper portion configured to cover at least aportion of a lower body of a user which has a first attachment mechanismto secure the bullet-resistant garment to the user. The armor carrieralso has an elongated lower portion adjacent the upper portion that hasa first side configured to wrap around a leg of the user and a secondside with a second attachment mechanism for securing the first sidearound the leg of the user.

In embodiments, the bullet-resistant garment also includes abullet-resistant hard armor element.

In other embodiments, the lower body of the may be the lower torso,thigh, abdomen, knee, calf or any combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is one embodiment of the present invention showing anillustration of the external side of a right leg bullet-resistantgarment (particularly adapted for protecting the lower body)incorporating a receptacle to hold at least one item according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2, 3, 4 are illustrations of additional embodiments of the presentinvention described in FIG. 1, where each Fig. shows the incorporationof a different receptacle;

FIG. 5 is another embodiment showing a photograph of the front view ofthe external face of a right-leg bullet-resistant garment (particularlyadapted for protecting the lower body) incorporating a receptacle tohold, carry or transport at least one item according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are illustrations of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention where FIG. 6 shows the interior face of a right-legbullet-resistant garment (particularly adapted for protecting the lowerbody) and FIG. 7 shows the external face of the same bullet-resistantgarment described in FIG. 6, incorporating a receptacle to hold, carryor transport at least one item;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are illustrations of one embodiment of the presentinvention where FIG. 8 shows the interior face of a left-legbullet-resistant garment (particularly adapted for protecting the lowerbody) and FIG. 9 shows the exterior face of the bullet-resistant garmentdescribed in FIG. 8, incorporating a receptacle to hold, carry ortransport at least one item.

Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, otherobjects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures. The figures constitute a part of this specification and includeillustrative embodiments of the present invention and illustrate variousobjects and features thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein;however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments aremerely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in variousforms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with thevarious embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, andnot restrictive. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, somefeatures may be exaggerated to show details of particular components.Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed hereinare not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representativebasis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ thepresent invention.

In one embodiment, the garment of the present invention comprises a softbody armor, having an upper portion for covering at least a portion ofthe lower body of a user, having a lower portion located in proximity tothe upper portion which is sufficiently elongated such that the lowerportion wraps around to cover at least a portion of the leg of the user;the lower portion having a first and second side, the first side forwrapping around the leg of the user; the second side having anattachment mechanism for securing to the first side around the leg ofthe user; an attachment mechanism located at the upper portion of thegarment wherein the mechanism secures the garment to the user; and atleast one receptacle to hold at least one item. In a specificembodiment, the lower body of the user is the lower torso area coveringincluding at least the thigh and abdomen. In another specificembodiment, the attachment mechanism located at the upper portion of thegarment is at least one strap on the upper portion of the garment thatis fastened to the user's belt or pants to secure the garment on theuser. In another specific embodiment, the attachment mechanism forsecuring to the first side around the leg of the user is adjustable. Ina further embodiment, the attachment mechanism is selected from thegroup consisting of at least one: (a) snap; (b) zipper; (c)hook-and-loop fastener; (d) buckle; and (e) Velcro member. In anotherexample, the receptacle includes one or more receptacles for carrying amagazine of ammunition, a gun or a weapon.

The present invention is described in relation to its use as a type ofbody armor providing protection to the lower body region of the user,which includes the regions of the body below the waist. One embodimentof the present invention is constructed, at least in part, of soft bodyarmor, and may cover, for example, the lower torso area, including atleast the thigh and abdomen. Another embodiment of the garment may beconstructed such that it does not hinder the mobility of the leg ortorso of the user. In another embodiment, a pair of straps on the upperportion of the garment are fastened to the user's belt or pants tosecure the garment on and/or to the user; such straps can be flexible,meaning the straps are constructed of material which bends and providesa broad range motion. In another embodiment, the straps may alsostretch.

In yet another embodiment, the garment is constructed with an upperportion covering the abdominal regions of the user and with a lowerportion covering the leg of the user. In a different embodiment, thegarment is secured onto the user by one or more straps at the upperportion and one or more straps at the lower portion providing protectionto the lower body region of the user. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, the bullet-resistant garment is worn over the user's pants.In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the bullet-resistantgarment is incorporated into the user's pants.

In another embodiment of the present invention (which example isintended to be illustrative and not restrictive), the bullet-resistantgarment is made adjustable with one or more mechanisms including, butnot limited to, for example: (a) one or more snaps; (b) one or morezippers; (c) one or more hook-and-loop fasteners; (d) one or morepockets; (e) one or more elastic members; (f) one or more buckles;and/or (g) one or more Velcro members.

In another embodiment, the straps attached to the upper portion of thegarment are fixed, for example, to, on or around the belt of the user byone or more Velcro members, providing adjustability of the garment andsecure fit for the user. FIG. 1-5 are examples of such an embodiment.

FIG. 1 illustrates a bullet-resistant garment 20 for protecting thelower body. In one embodiment, garment 20 includes an upper portion 1and a lower portion 2 with an elongated area 3 of the lower portion.Straps 4 and 5 of FIG. 1 are in one embodiment used to attach garment 20to the belt of a user, while straps 6 and 7 attach to the lowerelongated portion 3 at an attachment point 10, which in this example isa Velcro attachment system used to secure the lower elongated portion 3of the garment around the leg of the user. FIG. 1 also illustratesreceptacle 11, which in this example is a pouch attached on the exteriorof the garment 20.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment in which receptacle 11 mayconstitute a weapon transporting system.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment in which receptacle 11 maycomprise a multiple compartment receptacle.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment in which receptacle 11 may be alarge multiple compartment receptacle.

FIG. 5 shows a different embodiment in which receptacle 11 mayconstitute a multiple-use receptacle.

FIG. 6 illustrates shows straps 4 and 5 situated at the upper portion ofthe garment allowing a user to attach the garment by wrapping the straps4 and 5 underneath and then over a user's duty belt. As shown in FIG. 6,the garment 20 is substantially prevented from shifting during wear andextreme conditions, while substantially diminishing the problems ofslipping and rolling, which is typically found in soft, flexiblebody-armor. FIG. 6 also illustrates the smooth interior surface 21 ofthe garment which is next to the user's leg. FIG. 7 shows the straps 6and 7 secured at one or more attachment points 12 and 13 which are inthis embodiment, for example, Velcro patches at the upper portion of thegarment.

In a different embodiment, one or more straps attached to a first sideof the garment are fixed at a second side of the garment, securing thebullet-resistant garment on the thigh of the user. In such anembodiment, the garment is fitted to the user in a secure, comfortablemanner, allowing a full range of movement from the abdomen through theleg. FIG. 8 shows the form of the garment. FIG. 8 illustrates the smoothinterior surface 21 of the garment. FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of thepresent invention, in which there are one or more straps 6 and 7attached to a first side 3 of the garment on the lower portion 2 of thegarment. FIG. 9 further illustrates the attachment points 12 and 13 inwhich at least one strap 6 or 7 secures the garment to the user. In oneembodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the straps 6 and 7 are secured by ameans of attachment, for example, Velcro patches 12 and 13. In oneembodiment shown in FIG. 9, the lower portion 2 of the garment 20 iswrapped around the thigh and is secured by at least one or more straps 6and 7 and one or more patches 12 and 13 about the leg of the user. FIG.9 further shows one or more receptacles 11 incorporated on the garmentto hold items.

In a different embodiment, the garment incorporates one or morereceptacles for carrying, for example, a magazine of ammunition,providing a convenient method of transporting articles in combat. FIG. 1illustrates an example of a holding receptacle 11 incorporated on anembodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 9 furtherillustrate different receptacles 11 incorporated onto thebullet-resistant garment of the present invention.

In yet another embodiment, the garment incorporates a receptacle forcarrying one or more weapons, for example, a handgun, eliminating theneed for the user to put on an additional gun belt in addition to theuser's clothing and bullet-resistant garments. FIG. 2 illustrates oneexample of how a receptacle 11 for carrying a weapon, in this example ahandgun, may be incorporated on an embodiment of the present invention.

In a different embodiment, one or more Velcro straps provide the userwith the ability to quickly don and/or quickly remove the garment. In afurther embodiment, the lower portion of the garment is wrapped aroundthe thigh of the user and secured about the leg, for example, by one ormore Velcro straps. In yet a further embodiment, the lower portion ofthe garment is wrapped across the hamstring to provide maximumprotection and is secured, for example, by one or more metal snaps.

In an additional embodiment, the garment is incorporated into a battledress uniform. In a further embodiment, the garment is constructed ofone continuous mass of soft body armor. In a different embodiment, thegarment is constructed of one or more pieces of soft body armor whichare joined together by, for example, stitching or flexible, adjustablestraps. In yet a further embodiment, the garment is constructed with oneor more compartments for placing one or more hard body armor plates.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, illustrations of abullet-resistant garment according to an embodiment of the presentinvention are shown (FIG. 1 shows a right leg bullet-resistant garment,incorporating a receptacle for transporting items on the external faceof the bullet-resistant garment; FIG. 2 shows a right legbullet-resistant garment incorporating a receptacle for holding aweapon; FIG. 3 shows a right leg bullet-resistant garment incorporatinga receptacle on the external face of the bullet-resistant garment; FIG.4 also shows a right leg bullet-resistant garment incorporating what canbe an ammunition carrying receptacle on the external face of thebullet-resistant garment). As seen in these Figs., the garment isparticularly adapted for protecting the lower body of the user. In oneexample (which example is intended to be illustrative and notrestrictive), the external surface of the garment is enhanced with areceptacle for holding a weapon or ammunition.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a photograph of a front view of abullet-resistant garment according to an embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. As seen in this Fig., the garment is particularlyadapted for protecting the lower body, including the leg and abdominalregions of the body (FIG. 5 shows the external face of a right legbullet-resistant garment which incorporates a receptacle to hold items).In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and notrestrictive), the receptacle may be used for storing rounds ofammunition. In another example, a pocket may be constructed within thebullet-resistant garment into which a “hard body armor” plate may beinserted.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, corresponding drawings of the interiorand exterior faces of a right leg bullet-resistant garment according toanother embodiment of the present invention are shown. As seen in theseFigs., the garment is particularly adapted for protecting the lower bodyof the user. FIG. 7 shows the external face of a right legbullet-resistant garment which incorporates a receptacle to hold items.In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and notrestrictive), the receptacle can hold rounds of ammunition. In anotherexample, a pocket may be constructed within the bullet-resistant garmentinto which a “hard body armor” plate may be inserted.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the interior and exterior faces of aleft leg bullet-resistant garment of the type of FIGS. 6 and 7,respectively, is shown. As in FIGS. 6 and 7, in FIGS. 8 and 9,corresponding drawings of the interior and exterior faces of the leftleg bullet-resistant garment according to another embodiment of thepresent invention are shown. As seen in these Figs., the garment isparticularly adapted for protecting the lower body of the user. FIG. 9shows the external face of the left leg bullet-resistant garment whichincorporates a receptacle for holding items. In one example (whichexample is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive), thereceptacle can be used for holding rounds of ammunition. In anotherexample, a pocket may be constructed within the bullet-resistant garmentinto which a “hard body armor” plate may be inserted.

Of note, a bullet-resistant garment according to the present invention(e.g., a bullet-resistant garment particularly adapted for protectingthe lower body) may be used “stand-alone” or may be integrated (e.g.,into a 1 piece system) with one or more other bullet-resistant garments(e.g., a bullet resistant vest). In one example (which example isintended to be illustrative and not restrictive), the integration of thebullet-resistant garment according to the present invention with one ormore other bullet-resistant garments may be carried out using amechanism selected from the group including, but not limited to: (a) oneor more snaps; (b) one or more zippers; (c) one or more hook-and-loopfasteners; (d) one or more pockets; (e) one or more elastic members; (f)one or more buckles; and/or (g) one or more Velcro members.

While a number of embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, it is understood that these embodiments are illustrativeonly, and not restrictive, and that many modifications may becomeapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, while thegarments of the present invention have been described principally asbullet-resistant, the garments may also (or instead) be designed to beresistant to fragmentation, ballistic threats, blunt trauma, stab/slashthreats and/or sharp/blunt weapons (e.g., knives, clubs, etc.). Further,a bullet-resistant garment according to the present invention may bedesigned such that certain components are reusable. Further still, thepresent invention may be used to provide multiple levels of protection(or, if desired, the same levels of protection) in different anatomicalregions. Further still, the present invention may be designed such thatcertain “hard body armor,” of relatively inflexible material (e.g., oneor more ceramic plates), may be carried in pocket(s) in the garment toenhance the protection supplied to the user. Further still, thebullet-resistant garment of the present invention may utilize, forexample (which example is intended to be illustrative and notrestrictive), wovens, unidirectionals, non-ballistic fabrics or anycombination thereof. Further still, various attachment mechanisms may beprovided for attaching guns, flashlights and/or other equipment. Furtherstill, the present invention may be used by the military and/or lawenforcement. Further still, the present invention may be used with anysize or shape hard armor plates (e.g., the present invention may beutilized with XSmall hard armor plates to provide additional protectionunder the arms and/or on the shoulders). Further still, any stepsrelating to manufacture and/or use may be performed in any desiredorder.

Other embodiments are within the following claims.

1. A garment comprising: a bullet-resistant soft body armor, having anupper portion for covering at least a portion of a lower body of a user,having a lower portion located in proximity to the upper portion whichis sufficiently elongated such that the lower portion wraps around tocover at least a portion of a leg of the user; the lower portion havinga first and second side, the first side for wrapping around the leg ofthe user; the second side having an attachment mechanism for securing tothe first side around the leg of the user; and an attachment mechanismlocated at the upper portion of the garment wherein the mechanismsecures the garment to the user.
 2. The garment of claim 1 wherein thelower body of the user is the lower torso area including at least athigh and abdomen.
 3. The garment of claim 1 wherein the attachmentmechanism located at the upper portion of the garment is at least onestrap on the upper portion of the garment that is fastened to the user'sbelt or pants to secure the garment on the user.
 4. The garment of claim3 wherein the strap is flexible.
 5. The garment of claim 1 wherein theattachment mechanism for securing to the first side around the leg ofthe user is adjustable.
 6. The garment of claim 5 wherein the attachmentmechanism is selected from the group consisting of at least one: (a)snap; (b) zipper; (c) hook-and-loop fastener; and (d) buckle.
 7. Thegarment of claim 1 wherein the lower body of the user is a calf.
 8. Thegarment of claim 1 wherein the lower body of the user is a knee.
 9. Thegarment of claim 1 wherein the lower body of the user is a thigh andknee.
 10. (canceled)
 11. (canceled)
 12. (canceled)
 13. (canceled) 14.(canceled)
 15. (canceled)
 16. A bullet-resistant garment comprising: anarmor carrier having an upper portion configured to cover at least aportion of a lower body of a user and having a first attachmentmechanism to secure the bullet-resistant garment to the user, and anelongated lower portion adjacent the upper portion having a first sideconfigured to wrap around a leg of the user and a second side having asecond attachment mechanism for securing the first side around the legof the user; and a bullet-resistant soft body armor disposed within thearmor carrier.
 17. The bullet-resistant garment of claim 16 furtherincluding a bullet-resistant hard armor element.
 18. Thebullet-resistant garment of claim 16 wherein the lower body of the useris selected from the group consisting of the lower torso, thigh,abdomen, knee, calf or any combination thereof.